MITSUBISHI Montero ``not acceptable'' in Consumer Report safety tests

(Yonkers, New York-AP) -- Consumer Reports magazine has given an SUV a rating of ''not acceptable.'' <br><br>That's the assessment of the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Limited. <br><br>The

Wednesday, June 20th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Yonkers, New York-AP) -- Consumer Reports magazine has given an SUV a rating of ''not acceptable.''

That's the assessment of the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Limited.

The magazine says its tests of the vehicle caused the SUV to tip severely on two wheels at about 37 miles-per-hour.

The tests showed the Montero would probably have rolled over without safety devices that were installed for the tests.

Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America says thousands of hours were dedicated to designing and testing the 2001 Montero Limited.

The company says its tests found nothing wrong.

Mitsubishi also says it has conducted more tests since seeing the Consumer Reports results.

And says the new tests validate its confidence in the vehicle.

The ``not acceptable'' rating doesn't apply to previous Monteros or to the Montero Sport or Montero XLS.